This is 59-year-old Showa (front, in the blue scarf) from Machipisa, one of the oldest high-density suburbs in Harare, Kenya. She is married with four children, three of whom attend school. She also cares for one dependent. Showa runs a retail business selling clothes and blankets. Showa has been in this business for 11 years. She requested a loan of $400 to buy more clothes and blankets for resale. With the extra income from this loan, she was able to provide for the upkeep of her family. She says the main challenge she faces is clients who do not have much disposable income due to our economic downturn. In the future, Showa plans to diversify into general grocery sales.

Elon Microfinance Initiative assisted Showa with a $25 loan in April 2012.